Manchester United Transfer News: Marco Reus Developments, Joao Miranda Rumours

Marco Reus is set to be at the centre of an almighty transfer tussle this summer, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United named as three of many potential suitors for the German international.

According to Sport, the two Liga juggernauts will hold talks with the Borussia Dortmund star’s representative regarding a fee. But while the Spanish giants look to have stolen a march in pursuit of the player, a quartet of Premier League clubs—including the Red Devils, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal—all apparently preserve a longstanding interest.

Here’s an extract from the article, citing United’s interest in Reus:

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Reus has a contract until 2019, but Madrid's interest is still very much alive and Volker Struth has spoke with the European champions this past week. 

However, aware of interest elsewhere, this does not mean the door is closed on alternative destinations. 

Arsenal, Manchester City and [Paris Saint-Germain] have also been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, while Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal would also like to see him at Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. 

"

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

It’s easy to see why the Red Devils are keen on the BVB star. Reus has been a perennial thorn in the side of Bundesliga defenders throughout his time at the Westfalenstadion, boasting a major goal threat, as well as adding a dynamic, direct edge to Dortmund’s forward forays.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights of what has been a disappointing season for Reus overall:

He’s a hugely popular figure, but you get a sense that this may be the ideal time for him to move on. Not only does the new deal signed by the player guarantee Dortmund a sizeable purse should they sell him on, but with iconic boss Jurgen Klopp also poised to seek pastures new, there’s a festering sense of a new era dawning at the Ruhr Valley club.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

As noted by European football writer Ben Lyttleton, with a flurry of change set to engulf Dortmund this summer, Reus has a big decision to make:

He has a big decision to make in terms of a club, too, should he indeed decide a change of scenery is required.

While the lure of Barcelona and Real Madrid is understandable, it’s not abundantly clear where Reus would fit into their respective setups, whereas at United, he’d immediately become a critical part of Louis van Gaal’s side.

Red Devils Facing Fight for Joao Miranda

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star), Juventus will table an £18 million bid to land Atletico Madrid’s Joao Miranda. As noted by Green’s piece, both United and Chelsea have been linked with the Brazilian defender, who has grown into a key player for the Spanish champions.

The centre-back has been in and out of the team this season at the Vicente Calderon, prompting rumours that he could leave the club in the summer. But as noted by football writer Graham Ruthven, despite the emergence of promising young defender Jose Gimenez, Atletico remain at their best with the Miranda-Diego Godin axis in situ:

While United’s defensive structure has improved as of late, they do require some replenishment in that facet of their team. If they could lure the 30-year-old to Old Trafford, then it would represent a major coup, and his fundamental defensive skills would add some underpinning to the first XI.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe took a look at some potential defensive options United could pursue in the upcoming transfer window:

Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have blossomed as a pairing at the back for the Red Devils as of late, and although they both look to be improving, when United do get set to tackle Europe’s best again, some experience is imperative in that area of the field. In that sense, Miranda would fit the bill superbly.

But at this juncture, although there is a trio of top quality teams linked with the Brazilian, it’s difficult to see Atletico cashing in. While the three central defensive players they have in their squad are of the highest calibre, Simeone will be desperate to ensure the strength in depth in this vital area of the field stays intact.